Defence Ministry Announces Essay Contest On Operation Sindoor | Check Full List Of Prizes

Last Updated:June 02, 2025, 15:03 IST

The contest, which runs from June 1 to June 30, 2025, invites participants to explore the themes of national security, patriotism, and India's stance against cross-border terrorism

Operation Sindoor was a powerful retaliatory strike carried out by Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025.(Representational image)

In a bid to engage the nation’s youth with the country’s evolving counter-terrorism policy, the Ministry of Defence has announced a national bilingual essay competition based on Operation Sindoor, India’s offensive against terror hubs in Pakistan. The contest, which runs from June 1 to June 30, 2025, invites participants to explore the themes of national security, patriotism, and India’s stance against cross-border terrorism.

The ministry made the announcement via social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Ministry of Defence invites young minds to make their voices heard! Participate in the MoD & @mygovindia bilingual essay contest on #OperationSindoor – Redefining India’s Policy Against #Terrorism."

The essay competition, held in collaboration with MyGov India, provides participants with a platform to reflect on this new strategic posture. Entrants must submit one original essay of 500 to 600 words, in either Hindi or English, by June 30, via the MyGov.in portal.

The Defence Ministry is urging youth from all states and backgrounds to take part, describing the contest as a chance to combine “emotions, thoughts, and knowledge" in analysing how India confronts terrorism. A key criterion will be the participant’s ability to express complex ideas concisely and with clarity.

Apart from the Rs 10,000 cash prize awarded to the top three winners, the contest also offers an exclusive invitation to attend the 78th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, Delhi, on August 15, 2025. Notably, the top 200 entries will also earn their writers an invitation to the Red Fort event.

The Defence Ministry described the competition as “a new platform for the youth to express their views." In a country where a majority of the population is under 35, officials say the contest is a way to channel youthful patriotism into meaningful civic reflection. “This competition is not just for prizes," a Ministry spokesperson emphasised, adding that it is a symbol of how the youth can become stakeholders in the security narrative.

Operation Sindoor was a powerful retaliatory strike carried out by Indian Armed Forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targetting nine terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The mission was executed following a deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

Pakistan responded to Operation Sindoor with cross-border shelling, along with a series of drone attacks on Indian military and civilian installations. However, most of these were successfully neutralised by India’s advanced air defence systems. In response, Indian forces launched precision strikes on Pakistani military infrastructure, including the Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad. The operation persisted until May 10, when both sides agreed to a ceasefire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a nationally televised address on May 12, drew what he called a “new red line" in India’s counter-terror doctrine, declaring that future acts of terror would invite unmistakable and decisive retaliation. He also emphasised that India will make no distinction between terrorist groups and their state sponsors.

India also dispatched seven diplomatic delegations, including three led by opposition leaders, to rally global support for India’s war against terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The initiative underscores a rare bipartisan effort to internationalise India’s case against cross-border terror.

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